Carer’s Allowance and the State Pension overlapping benefits rules

Motion Text

That this House recognises the contribution made by unpaid carers across the United Kingdom; welcomes the government’s recent announcement in the Budget to reform the Carer’s Allowance earnings rules to replace the current cliff edge with a taper system by 2030; further recognises the positive impact this will have on carers who combine caring with paid employment; notes that carers who receive State Pension remain unable to receive Carer's Allowance where they already receive a State Pension because of the overlapping benefits rules; further notes that many older carers provide care to spouses, siblings, relatives and friends; believes it is unjust that receipt of the State Pension, an earned entitlement built up through a lifetime of contributions, effectively prevents many carers from receiving financial support in recognition of their caring responsibilities; expresses concern that this disproportionately affects older carers, including those caring for people with dementia and other long-term conditions; rejects the notion that retirement diminishes the value of caring work; further believes that older carers should not be disadvantaged for having reached pension age; and calls on the Government to review the overlapping benefits rules and introduce fairer financial support for carers receiving state pension.